A requirement to wear masks or face coverings in public is something the Northwestern Health Unit is looking at.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmill confirmed during a recent online public session that idea is being considered for the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.
The number of COVID-19 cases hasn’t been as great as in southern Ontario, but Dr. Gemmill says it would create some consistency with other jurisdictions.
“We don’t want to have a situation where we’re saying, ‘oh, where am, I do I need a mask for this place or not, what’s going on.’ Having a consistent approach has a lot of value,” says Dr. Gemmill.
The Thunder Bay District Health imposed the requirement to wear a mask within its jurisdiction on Friday. Minnesota imposed a statewide order that took effect on Saturday.
Dr. Gemmill says opinions about masks are changing because public health officials are learning more about the virus.
“I think we’ve come to a stage now where we recognized two things. One is that masks do prevent the mask wearer from dispersing the droplets. But also, there’s more and more case-in-points pointing to the fact that masks also protect ourselves,” says Dr. Gemmill.
Those opposed to mandatory mask-wearing argue it impedes on their rights.
Dr. Gemmill argues the opposite. He says wearing a mask can actually increase our liberties because it helps keep businesses open and allows others to open safely, thus allowing us to do more.
Gemmill says wearing a mask now can also get people used to the practice in the event a second wave prompts a provincial or national order.
